Forces Engaged: IV and XXIII Army Corps (Army of the Ohio and Cumberland)
[US]; Army of Tennessee [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 8,587 total (US 2,326; CS 6,261)

Description: Having lost a good opportunity at Spring Hill to hurt significantly
the Union Army, Gen. John B. Hood marched in rapid pursuit of Maj. Gen.
John M. Schofield’s retreating Union army. Schofield’s advance reached
Franklin about sunrise on November 30 and quickly formed a defensive line
in works thrown up by the Yankees in the spring of 1863, on the southern
edge of town. Schofield wished to remain in Franklin to repair the bridges
and get his supply trains over them. Skirmishing at Thompson’s Station
and elsewhere delayed Hood’s march, but, around 4:00 pm, he marshaled a
frontal attack against the Union perimeter. Two Federal brigades holding
a forward position gave way and retreated to the inner works, but their
comrades ultimately held in a battle that caused frightening casualties.
When the battle ceased, after dark, six Confederate generals were dead
or had mortal wounds. Despite this terrible loss, Hood’s army, late, depleted
and worn, crawled on toward Nashville.